Lawrence Jones (businessman)

Lawrence Nigel Jones MBE (born 1 August 1968) is a businessman and digital entrepreneur. He is the founder and CEO of the Manchester-based colocation, dedicated and cloud hosting provider, UKFast.

Jones was born in Denbigh, North Wales. At 7 years old he won a scholarship to sing and study music at Durham Chorister Schoolbefore attending Ruthin School School.

Jones formed UKFast with his partner Gail in 1999.

The hosting and colocation business operates a data centre complex in Trafford Park, Manchester, and has over 200 employees. In 2014, the firm's turnover was £28.9million.

In May 2010 Lawrence Jones joined the board of directors of the Manchester Camerata.

Lawrence Jones owns Castell Cidwm estate near the village of Betws Garmon originally owned by the Marquis of Anglesey who used the Castell Cidwm country house as his hunting lodge.

Lawrence Jones acquired Le Farinet Hotel in Swiss ski resort Verbier in September 2014

In 2012, Lawrence Jones was named Ernst & Young Technology Entrepreneur of the Year and, in 2013, he received ‘Director of the Year for a Small to Medium Company’ at the Institute of Directors’ awards ceremony.

Jones was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2015 New Year Honours for services to the digital economy.

In July 2016 Jones received an honorary doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) from Manchester Metropolitan University

Lawrence and Gail Jones have four daughters. They live in Cheshire, England.